Please help me welcome Randy Rawls as today’s Wednesday’s Guest. Randy has written a number of books – more about that in his bio – and his latest is a fun romp, Jingle and His Magnificent Seven, which I reviewed last Sunday.
Just like there is never too much pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, there are never too many sugar cookies at Christmas. I know it is a bit early, but can you resist? Snag one to enjoy while reading Randy’s post.
Now here’s Randy…
I’m one of those who enjoys every book he has written. It was the best I could write at that moment. But, more fun is appearing before groups and talking about whatever they want to hear. And, if they happen to be bona fide readers, that’s even better.
One example is the group I visited with today. They were women from the City of Hope Charity in Palm Beach County, Florida. They attended a literary luncheon sponsored by Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore in Delray Beach. Following their lunch, they came into the bookstore, were given a copy of my Jingle and His Magnificent Seven, and settled in to listen to my words.
This was an especially important group to me because I am a Stage IV head and throat cancer survivor—cancer free for three and one-half years. Any day I get to meet and thank the people who raise money for cancer research is a super day. And I did that today.
Afterwards, I talked, they listened, then plied me with questions. The whole episode lasted an hour, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Following the talk, I personalized their copies of the book, and they went on their way.
A day well spent.
I have also spoken to various Pap Chapters and had the pleasure of thanking them for all they do for cancer research. Cancer is an insidious disease, but thanks to groups like Pap, City of Hope, and many, many others, it is ever so slowly succumbing to new and improved techniques for combating it.
Oh, I know there are many large charities who do wonderful work in collecting funds. However, their gatherings are too large for someone like me to be invited as a speaker. But, small memberships, such as City of Hope and Pap Chapters look for entertainment at a much lower level. If I can insinuate myself in front of them, make them smile, and they walk out with one of my books, I feel blessed. And I know they are going to keep raising money and continue to finance cancer research.
Thank you, cancer fundraisers everywhere.
Maryann suggests I write about an unusual bit of research. Okay, here it comes. I wrote myself into a difficult situation in my latest about Jingle and his friends.
Because Jingle is a Santa-Elf, he can do nothing that would harm a human, and that goes for his human partners, too. So, they’re going up against a dirty dozen and must leave them unscathed.
So, you say, call the cops.
Nope, can’t do that because the police would never believe their story about a terrorist cell, especially the part about a Santa-Elf tipping them off to the group.
So, what can my seven do to bring the bad guys to justice without either ending up in the loony bin or being arrested for assaulting the dirty dozen? Took a lot of research, but I found a way. Justice was served and my seven walked away free of any association.
Pretty danged proud of myself.
Thanks, Maryann for allowing me to spend this time with you. You do a wonderful service to readers and writers everywhere.
Aw, shucks, Randy, now I am blushing. 🙂 And you have every right to be proud of yourself. You did a great job in getting yourself out of that corner. Also, congratulations on being cancer-free. May that continue!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Randy Rawls was born and reared in Williamston, North Carolina, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. From there, he says he inherited a sense of responsibility, a belief in fair play, and a love of country. As a career US Army officer, he had the opportunity to learn, travel, teach, and hone talents inherited from his parents. Following retirement, he worked in other ventures for the US Government. Every job has in some way been fun. Even the dark days of Vietnam had their light moments, and he cherishes the camaraderie that was an integral part of survival in that hostile world.
Today, he has short stories in several anthologies, and a growing list of novels to his credit. As a prolific reader, the reads across several genres and takes that into his writing. He has written mysteries, thrillers, an historical, and two books featuring a Santa Elf. He is a regular contributor to Happy Homicides, a twice annual anthology of cozy short stories. He also has a series of short stories featuring a cattle-herding burro. Wherever his imagination will take him, he follows.
You can visit him on his WEBSITE and on FACEBOOK
BUY LINK for Jingle and his Magnificent Seven: